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Amid a ongoing effort to exert greater control over internet access, Russian regulators have cut off access to the social media app Snapchat and imposed restrictions on the Apple video calling service, FaceTime.

Stated Reasons for the Block

The state internet regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that both applications were employed to plan and execute terrorist activities inside Russia, to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud and other crimes aimed at the populace.

The regulator reported it enforced the restriction against Snapchat in early October, although the decision was only reported on Thursday.

Broader Campaign of Internet Control

These latest moves follow previous restrictions imposed on key apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram, and the Telegram service. These measures of censorship began in earnest after the onset of the conflict of Ukraine.

During the tenure of Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have undertaken systematic and comprehensive efforts to curtail the digital space. This has included:

• Passing restrictive laws.
• Outlawing websites and platforms that refuse to cooperate with local rules.
• Advancing technical capabilities to track and influence digital communications.

Recent Examples of Restrictions

Access to YouTube was slowed previously in an incident described as intentional slowing by officials. Russian officials attributed the issue to Google for not properly maintaining its servers in Russia.

Recently, authorities further restricted internet access with widespread disruptions of mobile internet connections. The government insisted this was necessary to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, but analysts saw it as a further measure to increase control over the digital landscape.

Action Against Communication Platforms

The government has also targeted popular communication apps. Encrypted messenger Signal and the Viber service, Viber, were restricted in 2024. Additionally, authorities prohibited calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, defending the ban by claiming the two apps were being used for illegal activities.

Concurrently, authorities have actively promoted a so-called "national" messenger app called "Max". Observers view it as a potential surveillance tool. The platform openly declares it will share user data with officials if demanded, and analysts note it is not equipped with strong encryption.

Regulatory Basis and Analyst Commentary

Per cyber security expert Stanislav Seleznev, the legal framework classifies any platform where people can communicate as an "information dissemination organizer".

This classification obligates that such services establish a presence with Roskomnadzor and provide Russia's security service with access to communications. Those failing to comply are breaking the law and can get blocked.

Seleznev noted that perhaps tens of millions of users in Russia had been relying on FaceTime, especially after voice calls were prohibited on other messaging apps. He called the blocking of the Apple service as "expected" and warned that other platforms failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor "will be blocked – that's obvious."

Gaming Platforms Also Targeted

In a related move, the government also said it was restricting Roblox, claiming it aimed at protecting children from inappropriate material. According to research group Mediascope, the platform was the second-largest game platform in Russia last month, with nearly 8 million players.

While it is still feasible to get around a few of these restrictions by employing VPN services, such tools are routinely blocked by authorities as well.